If anyone's concerned, I'm not done writing 'Guarding My Soul' (in fact, I've got a ton of ideas left) but I thought it'd be fun to mix things up. It's a little short but I hope you enjoy!

When I was a kid, my mom used to say I had a knack for getting into two types of situations:

1. The type that called for duct tape and a paperclip.

2. The type that called for a miracle.

This, I knew, was going to be one of those times where I'd need a bit of both.

Pete had told me that the North Korean government had gotten some files on how to make a new type of missile, something that could threaten the entire continent. It was my job to infiltrate their main compound and retrieve those files before they could be used to create the weapon.

There was a catch, though, someone from the CIA already knew about the operation so I had to go solo, and not even Jared could know about it.

The briefing took a little longer than expected, but I was able to get home on time to say goodnight to Jared. He had convinced Mrs. Jenkins to let him stay up a few extra minutes and was waiting by the door for when I arrived.

"Did you secure the perimeter while I was out?" I asked Jared, my voice giving a playful tone of a military general.

"Yes, sir." he replied, acting as if he had just completed a reconnaissance mission. His little chest puffed out with pride. "Not a single threat, except for two squirrels and a bird."

I smiled. It was our little way of saying 'hello', a little father-and-son ritual we had.

"Good job, soldier," I said, ruffling his hair before I gave him a gentle hug. "Time for bed, though."

"Wait." he said, "What about your promise, sir?"

"Right." I said. I then brought out a bag of chips, "They'll be waiting for you tomorrow."

He nodded, his eyes showing his anticipation for the next day. "Thanks, dad." he then scurried off to his bedroom.

I turned to Mrs. Jenkins, "Thanks again for watching him for me."

The older woman smiled, "Aw, it was nothing, Mac. He's a good boy."

"Yeah," I said "I also need to tell you something. Pete stopped by today."

Her eyes widened with surprised. She was one of the few people who knew about my life with the Foundation. "Is everything okay?"

"It's fine," I assured her, not willing to go into detail. "But I might have to go away for a little while. I need you to keep an eye on him, make sure he doesn't get into trouble."

Mrs. Jenkins nodded, her expression solemn, "I understand. You can count on me."

"Thanks," I said, "Also, I'd really appreciate it if you kept this just between the two of us. I don't think he's ready to know just yet."

She nodded. We had kept the truth about Sharon's and my past lives a secret from Jared for his own protection. He knew I used to do "important" things but the details were hazy, like a distant memory from a fairy tale.

After Mrs. Jenkins left, I went to say good-night to Jared, who was fiddling with his alarm clock.

I couldn't help but see myself in him, he was like his old man in making knick-knacks and do-dads.

"You sure you know how to use that?" I asked him, pointing at the clock.

"I learned from the best," he said, looking up at me with a grin.

I returned the smile, trying to ignore the ache in my chest that came with the knowledge that I would be leaving him behind for a dangerous mission.

"Um... Jared?"

"Yeah, dad?"

"I might have to go on a trip in a few days," I began, sitting down on the edge of his bed. "I'll only be gone for two, maybe three days at the most."

"Why?"

The single word hung in the air, filled with the curiosity and confusion of a young boy.

"Uh, dad has to go help out some friends." I said, trying to keep the lie as close to the truth as possible. "It's important, buddy."

"Okay," Jared said, his voice small.

"I promise I'll be back before you know it," I said, trying to sound more convinced than I felt. "And I'll bring you back something cool from my trip."

"Sounds good, Dad," Jared said, his eyes dropping to his bed sheets. I knew he was disappointed but understood the gravity of the situation.

"And remember..."

"I know, God is with me no matter what." Jared looked up at me, reciting the words we had said together countless times.

"That's right," I said, my heart swelling with pride. "Good night, Jared."

"Night, dad."

I closed the door, contemplating on the mission ahead. Had I made the right choice? I couldn't help but feel a little tense. I remembered feeling almost the same way when Sharon died.

I sat down in the leather chair that was in the living room, my mind praying that things would be fine while I was gone. Funny, nine years ago I would've told you I wasn't a religious man and to be clear I'm not into any 'religion', but when Sharon died, it made me realize how much I really needed God. It was a relationship, really. One where Jesus saved me, and He had my back. I just had to trust He had Jared in His hands too.

I hoped I made the right choice in taking this job.